Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville engaged in a heated verbal exchange on ITV following a tumultuous start to the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival’s second day. The race kick-off was delayed as jockeys vied for position, leading to allegations that Ballyfad, ridden by Jack Kennedy, was kicked, prompting stewards to implement a standing start.
Queally, riding I’ll Sort That, and De Boinville, on Act of Innocence, found themselves caught up in the chaos and didn’t hold back in expressing their frustrations post-race. Queally, speaking on ITV Sport, criticized De Boinville for verbally attacking him, emphasizing his amateur status and the fact that he was riding in front of his children. In response, De Boinville suggested that Queally should reflect on his own actions.
The incident and the ensuing comments were later dissected by the ITV panel, with former jockey Ruby Walsh remarking on the need for a rolling start to prevent such situations. Meanwhile, Sir AP McCoy acknowledged the significance of the race start, noting that while a race cannot be won at the beginning, it can certainly be lost.
Following the race, ITV pundit Luke Harvey referred to past discussions on the recurring issue of false starts at Cheltenham, mentioning De Boinville’s previous remarks attributing blame to Irish jockeys and amateur riders. An inquiry by Cheltenham stewards revealed that Kennedy, Queally, Danny Gilligan, and Darragh O’Keeffe had contributed to the false start by not approaching the tape correctly. Kennedy and Queally received one-day suspensions for start misconduct, while Gilligan and O’Keefe were suspended for two days due to a prior offense.
The race itself saw Paul Townend clinch victory on King Rasko Grey for Willie Mullins, with De Boinville securing second place, followed by Zeus Power and Soldier Reeves. Queally and I’ll Sort That finished in the top five positions.